Lighted Dive Buoy

ABSTRACT

A diver&#39;s buoy is provided. The buoy includes a floatation device that carries a display panel. A power source and light source are provided to increase visibility of the buoy. Stabilization devices may be provided to reduce pitching of the buoy to also improve visibility.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S.Provisional patent application No. 61/235,831 filed Aug. 21, 2009,entitled “LIGHTED DIVE BOUY”, the entirety of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

A dive buoy with a lighted display to indicate the presence of a diverin the area. The buoy includes a floatation device with a lighteddisplay that can be selectively illuminated. A flag may also be carriedby the floatation device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Buoys are well known in the art. They are of particular importance toscuba divers to mark their location below to boaters and the like toreduce the risk of accidents. The diver's flag is well known, isattached to a floatation device, and may be anchored in place ortethered to a diver for movement with the diver. The flag and float mayalso be tethered to a boat. While effective, the use of a flag on afloat does present problems, particularly in low light and choppy water.In addition, some boaters do not understand the significance of adiver's flag or are aware that they should look for one.

Another problem with a diver's flag is that it pitches with waves in thewater. This occurs because there is no ballast associated with the floatto which the flag is attached. The float will retain the flag in agenerally upright orientation when there is ballast associated with thefloat.

The ballast may be internal or external of the float. Even with ballast,the flag will pitch with the float when the float is in choppy water andnot be readily visible to all boaters.

Thus, there is a need for an improved diver's flag or indicator which isreadily visible regardless of the conditions under which it isdisplayed.

SUMMARY

The present invention involves the provision of a dive buoy for scubadivers. The buoy includes a floatation device. The buoy is provided withmeans to maintain the floatation device in a generally uprightorientation. A light transmissive panel is associated with thefloatation device and includes indicia to indicate the presence of adiver in the area. A power source is associated with the floatationdevice and is connected to a light source. The light source cooperateswith the panel for selectively illuminating the panel to highlight theindicia. A tether device is associated with the floatation device.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide adiver flag or indicator which is highly visible.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide anindicator for use with divers which is also visible from beneath thesurface of the water.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide anindicator for use with divers that may be used in conjunction with alife ring.

It is still a further objective of the present invention to provide anindicator for use with divers which employs reflective surfaces forgreater visibility.

It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide anindicator for use with divers which employs lights for greatervisibility in low light conditions.

It is still yet a further objective of the present invention to providean indicator for use with divers which may be readily assembled anddisassembled for storage when it is not in use.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with any accompanyingdrawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example,certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained hereinconstitute a part of this specification and include exemplaryembodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects andfeatures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boat with an associated buoy forindicating a diver in the area;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation view of a float useful toprovide a display panel and form a buoy;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternate display panel ona buoy;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of an additional alternatedisplay panel on a buoy;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the display panel shown inFIGS. 1, 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of an additional alternatedisplay panel on a buoy;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of an additional alternatedisplay panel on a buoy;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention employed with alife ring;

FIG. 9 is a view of the underside of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is another alternative embodiment of the present inventionemploying separable hemispherical elements;

FIG. 12 is another alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Like numbers used throughout this application represent like or similarparts and/or construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in variousforms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be describedpresently preferred embodiments with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention andis not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodimentsillustrated.

The reference numeral 1 designates a dive buoy attached to a boat 2 by atether 4. The buoy 1 includes a display panel 6 that can be selectivelyilluminated and preferably also includes a diver's flag 8 as well.Diver's flags are well known in the art and have a diagonal white stripe10 and a red background 11. The flag 8 may be rigid to stay fullyexposed. The buoy 1 includes a floatation device 14. The flag 8 may bemounted on a rod or mast 12, that in turn is mounted to the floatationdevice 14.

FIGS. 2, 3, 6 illustrate one form of floatation device 14. As shown, thefloatation device 14 is generally spherical and has a bore 16 adapted toreceive the rod 12 therein for mounting. The rod 12 may be removablysecured to the floatation device 14 as by threaded engagement at 18. Inuse, the floatation device 14 has a top portion 19 and a bottom portion20 with the rod 12 extending outwardly from the top portion 19. (As usedherein, orientation terms are used to indicate positions when the buoyis in its normal orientation for use.) Ballast 22 can be provided andcan be positioned in the interior of the floatation device 14 orpositioned outside of the floatation device. As seen in FIGS. 3, 4, theballast 22 is suspended from the floatation device as with a hangerassembly 24. The ballast 22 is an orientation device which maintains thefloatation device 14 in a generally upright position. A plurality ofballasts 22 can be utilized if desired. The hanger assembly 24 may beremovably mounted to the floatation device 14 as by extending into thebore 16 from the bottom portion and be threadably coupled to thefloatation device, or may be suspended from one or more attachmentdevices 26 secured to an outer wall 28 of the floatation device. Theattachment devices 26 can also be used to attach a tether or anchor lineto the floatation device 14 from a vessel or land.

The floatation device 14 of FIG. 2 is shown as being generallyspherical. It is to be understood that any suitable shape may beprovided such as cylindrical, rectangular and the like. It should alsobe noted that the floatation device can be constructed from aluminescent, e.g. glow in the dark, or otherwise illuminating material.Preferably the outer wall 28 of the floatation device is constructedfrom a translucent material. This permits the passage of light from theinterior of the device to the exterior so that the device may be seenfrom a distance. It should further be noted that the floatation devicecan be used by itself for use as a channel or crab trap indicator or thefloatation device may be used with pre-existing dive flag components toadd functionality thereto. The floatation device may also includereflectors or mirrors positioned on its outer diameter to furtherreflect light. The outer wall 28 can also be made from a mirror like orreflective material. The illustrated floatation device 14 is constructedto provide access to the interior 30 for the mounting of a power source32 and a light source 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the floatationdevice can have portions releasably connected together as at 36 as bythreaded engagement, bayonet mount and the like. The power source 32 iscoupled to the light source 34 and is operable to selectively power thelamps 35 of the light source. Preferably, the lamps 35 are of a highefficiency type such as LED's. A switch, not shown, can be connectedbetween the power source 32 and the light source 34 for selectiveillumination of the light source 34. The switch may include an emergencymode that causes the lights to blink and may additionally cause a sirento sound. A preferred power source 32 includes a battery pack 38 usingrechargeable batteries. Also preferred as part of the power source 32 isone or more solar cells 37 coupled to the battery pack 38 to provideelectrical energy to the battery pack 38 to effect recharging byconverting light energy to electrical energy. The solar cells 37 can bemounted to the wall 28 for exposure to light, such as sunlight. In apreferred embodiment, the wall 28 can be light transmissive by beingtransparent or translucent at least in selected areas. The solar cells37 can then be mounted in the interior 30. In a preferred embodiment,the rod 12 is also constructed to be light transmissive and hollow,contain light members that may be illuminated with the floatation device14 and/or the display panel 6. Lamps can also be placed on the exteriorof the floatation device 14 to enhance its visibility. The lamps on theexterior of the floatation device and the translucent material of theouter wall 28 enable lights to be directed downwardly so that anascending diver or someone under the water can observe the floatationdevice. This feature enables the device to be utilized as a referencepoint for divers to return to their boat or platform.

A GPS device 39 can optionally be positioned within the interior offloatation device 14. The GPS device 39 can communicate with satellitesin orbit to determine the exact location of the floatation device. TheGPS device may be provided with its own antenna or it may employ rod 12as an antenna. The GPS device can display the location of the floatationdevice 14 on the exterior of the floatation device so that the locationmay be readily observed by anyone in the vicinity of the floatationdevice. A digital wireless communications device 41 can also bepositioned within the interior of the floatation device. The digitalwireless communications device can be placed in communications withother communication devices on land or other vessels. The digitalwireless communications device 41 can transmit the location of thefloatation device to other communication devices on land or on othervessels by utilizing the GPS device 39. The digital communicationsdevice 41 can function similar to On Star® devices used in automobiles.Alternatively, the digital communications device can operate one wayonly, i.e. transmit only when activated. The device 41 can be manuallyactuated or be programmed to be actuated whenever the diver or otherperson utilizing the floatation device is in danger. For example, if thedevice 41 is moved violently, if the device 41 comes in contact withwater, if the device 41 is not actuated for a period of time (whichwould indicate that the diver cannot retrieve the floatation device andmay be in danger), etc.

The display panel 6 can be configured for exposure and visibility inseveral configurations as seen in the various Figures. As seen in FIG.2, the display panel 6 is mounted in the interior 30 and is associatedwith the light source 34 for illumination of the display panel. Asshown, the light source 34 is positioned interiorly of the display panel6 to backlight the display panel. This allows for the light source 34 tosimultaneously illuminate more than one display panel 6. The displaypanel 6 may be provided with indicia 40 for illumination andcommunication to a viewer that a diver may be in the area and to proceedwith caution. The indicia 40 on the display panel can be a diver's flagsimilar to flag 8 secured atop rod 12, in FIG. 1. While the displaypanel 6 is shown as having indicia applied thereto for illumination, itis to be understood that the panel could also be an LCD or plasma screenthat can be illuminated and display an image stored in a memorytransmitting light through portions thereof. The display panel 6 can bemounted to the outer wall 28 which can be light transmissive forillumination by backlighting. The display panel 6 may also be positionedon an outer surface of the wall 28. It is to be noted that a pluralityof display panels 6 may be provided, preferably with each panel facing adifferent direction. Each panel can be illuminated by a light source 34.

FIGS. 3, 5 show an alternate embodiment of the buoy 1. As illustrated,the buoy 1 has a display panel 6 mounted in a housing 50 that is mountedon the floatation device 14 on the rod 12. The housing 50 can beprovided with a display panel 6 on opposite sides of the housing 50 forincreased exposure. In the illustrated structure, the buoy 1 is providedwith ballast 22 as described above. The housing 50 can be provided withattachment devices 26 as described above. The light source 34 and powersource 32 can be mounted in the housing 50 or the light source can be inthe housing 50 and the power source in the floatation device 14 andconnected together by wiring 52. Preferably, the housing 50 iswatertight. As shown, mounting devices 54 can be attached to the housing50, whereby the housing and its display panel(s) 6 can be mounted toother than the floatation device, e.g., a boat or boat window. Theillustrated mounting devices 54 are suction cups. The attachment devices26 can also be used for supplemental mounting, as suspending the devicefrom hooks or the like.

FIG. 4 shows an additional embodiment wherein the floatation device 14is generally in the form of a rectangular solid with a peaked roof 55with a pair of roof panels 57. Each roof panel 57 can be provided with adisplay panel 6 as described above. The embodiment of the buoy 1 of FIG.4 is shown with a hanger assembly 24 and ballast 22. A power source 32and light source 34 can be mounted in the interior of the floatationdevice 14 as described above.

FIG. 6 shows a still further embodiment of the buoy 1 having a housing60 with a generally triangular transverse cross sectional shapeproviding for three display panels 6 each with indicia 40 thereon. Thepower source 32 and light source 34 can be in the housing 60 asdescribed above for the structure in FIGS. 3, 5. The power source 32could be in the floatation device 14 and connected to the light sourceby wiring 52.

The buoy 1 can also be provided with an outrigger 70 as seen in FIG. 1.As shown, the outrigger 70 can be secured to the floatation device 14 toreduce pitching movement of the floatation device 14 and parts mountedthereto like the flag 8. The outrigger 70 is an orientation device whichmaintains the buoy 1 in a generally upright position. A plurality ofoutriggers 70 can be utilized if desired. The outriggers 70 can beprovided with lights and/or reflective surfaces.

FIG. 7 shows a still further embodiment of the buoy 1 having a tube orcylindrical element 71 secured around the rod 12. The tube 71 can be acontinuous element with an open top and bottom. The tube 71 can also beslit along a length thereof so as to be readily securable onto rod 12.Tube 71 can also be a cylindrical element with a substantially closedtop and bottom. LEDs or other illumination devices 72 can be secured tothe surface of tube 71. Mirrors 74 can also be secured to the surface oftube 71. Reflectors 76 can also be secured to the surface of tube 71.Alternatively, one or more of the illumination devices, mirrors andreflectors can be secured to the surface of tube 71.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show another embodiment of the present invention. A lifering 80 is provided with a plurality of support members 82. Thesesupport members are preferably secured to one another to form a cross or“X”. The ends of the support members are secured to the inner surface ofthe life ring. The area at which the support members meet is preferablyprovided with an aperture into which a pole or rod of a dive flag 8 isinserted. The buoyancy of the life ring retains the dive flag in asubstantially upright position even in conditions of rough waters. Aplurality of lights 84 are secured to the underside of life ring 80.These lights can be self powered or obtain their power from a centralsource, not shown. The central power source can be a battery, solarpower or a combination of both. Lights 84 can also be secured to theupper surface of the life ring. While four support member 82 are shownin the shape of an “X” any number of support members can be employed.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. Aplurality of floats 86 are secured to support rods 88. The support rodsare secured to a central member 90. Member 90 is in the form of a crossor “X”. An aperture 94 in member 90 permits the insertion of a diver'sflag. Preferably the supports rods 88 are secured to member 90 with apivotable connection at points 92. This type of construction enables thedevice to be folded for storage when it is not in use. While foursupport members 88 are shown, any number of support members 88 can beemployed.

The embodiment of FIG. 10 can be optionally provided with an illuminateddisplay 96. Display 96 is preferably formed of a tubular member 98 whichcontains at least one and preferably two lights 100. Lights 100 arepreferably self powered, but can also be powered from a central powersource, not shown. While a single display 96 is illustrated, a preferredembodiment utilizes four displays, one at each end of the support rods88.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment wherein the floatation device 14comprises two hemispherical elements 102, 104 secured to a central disc106. Each of the hemispherical elements 102 and 104 can be secured todisc 106 in any number of ways. They can be threadable secured. They canbe snap fit secured. They can employ bayonet connections, etc. Theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 can also be provided with all of thefeatures illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 2, reflectors, lights,reflective material on the outer surface, luminescent material utilizedfor elements 102 and 104, lights directed downwardly under the surfaceof the water, a dive flag pole, etc. Further, only one of thehemispherical members 102, 104 can be employed. When only one member isused, it is employed above the surface of the water.

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. Theembodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 10 is provided with oneof the hemispherical elements 102, 104 of FIG. 11. Lights 35 can beprovided on the outer surface of element 102. Element 102 can be madefrom a reflective material or be coated with a reflective material.Reflectors 108 can also be secured to element 102.

FIG. 12 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention. Aconventional dive ball 110 is provided with the floatation device 14 ofthe present invention. Hemispherical elements 102, 104 are provided withabutment members 112. Abutment members 112 position the hemisphericalelements 102, 104 around the dive ball 110. The abutment members 112provide a space between the dive ball and the hemispherical members.This embodiment can also be provided with lights and power source(s).The wires for the lights can pass through the space between the diveball and the hemispherical elements. Apertures 114 in elements 102 and104 can be employed to run or pass wires or other members throughelements 102 and 104. For example, if lights were to be placed on theouter surface of elements 102 and/or 104, wires could be run from thelights to a power source within elements 102, 104.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention isillustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangementherein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to whatis shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figuresincluded herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain theends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Theembodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein arepresently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended tobe exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changestherein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which areencompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by thescope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been describedin connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should beunderstood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited tosuch specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of thedescribed modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious tothose skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of thefollowing claims.

1. A buoy for use by scuba divers, comprising: a floatation member; an orientation device which maintains said floatation device in a generally upright orientation when said floatation device is placed in a body of water; a display panel associated with said floatation device, said display panel including at least one light source operable to provide an image indicating the location of the floatation member; a power source associated with said floatation device, said power source providing power to said at least one light source; and a tether associated with said floatation device, wherein said display panel indicates the presence of an individual in the water.
 2. The buoy of claim 1, wherein said orientation device is at least one outrigger type float secured to an outer surface of said floatation device.
 3. The buoy of claim 1, wherein said orientation device is a ballast member secured to an underside of said floatation device.
 4. The buoy of claim 1, wherein said at least one light source cooperates with said display panel to illuminate said display panel and indicia positioned on said display panel.
 5. The buoy of claim 4, wherein said indicia is a diver's flag.
 6. The buoy of claim 1, including a sign secured to said floatation device, said sign including at least one panel, said at least one light source positioned to illuminate said at least one panel.
 7. The buoy of claim 6, wherein said sign includes a plurality of panels, said at least one light source positioned to illuminate all of said panels.
 8. The buoy of claim 6, wherein said sign is removable from said floatation device, said sign includes mounting members thereon, said mounting members being constructed and arranged to secure said sign to a vessel.
 9. The buoy of claim 8, wherein said mounting members are suction cups.
 10. The buoy of claim 1 including an attachment device positioned on said floatation device, said tether secured to said attachment device, whereby said floatation device can be secured to a vessel or land.
 11. The buoy of claim 1 wherein said power source includes a battery system, said battery system includes a rechargeable battery and a solar panel, said solar panel is electrically connected to said rechargeable battery to effect charging of said rechargeable battery.
 12. The buoy of claim 11 wherein said battery system provides electrical power to said floatation device when there is no sunlight.
 13. The buoy of claim 1 including a diver's flag mounted on a rod above said display panel.
 14. The buoy of claim 1 wherein said floatation device includes an outer wall forming a housing, said housing being separable into at least two components, said at least two components providing access to the interior of said floatation device when said at least two components are separated, said at least one light source is positioned within said housing.
 15. The buoy of claim 14 including a bore in said outer wall of said floatation device, said bore extending into the interior of said housing.
 16. The buoy of claim 15 including a rod, said rod extending from the interior of said housing, through said bore and outwardly from said outer wall of said housing.
 17. The buoy of claim 16 wherein said display panel is mounted on said rod on the exterior of said housing.
 18. The buoy of claim 1 including a GPS device positioned on said floatation device.
 19. The buoy of claim 1 including a digital wireless communications device positioned on said floatation device.
 20. The buoy of claim 19 wherein said GPS device is in communication with said digital wireless communications device. 